How does Manchester United go about replacing Cristiano Ronaldo’s goalscoring when Real Madrid outbids them for every single world superstar? Check the scrap heap for a broken-down, injury-riddled star Real has already cast off. And the winner may just be Michael Owen.

According to the London Times and The Guardian, the three-time Premier League champions might be pulling a shock move for the brittle 29-year-old striker. After United lost Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, reports say Owen is just a medical at Old Trafford away from one of the more unlooked-for transfers in recent memory. Of course, with Owen, medicals aren’t a sure thing. Owen left Real in 2005, when Newcastle outbid United for him. He broke his foot that New Year’s Eve against Tottenham, then damaged his right ACL in the very first minute of a World Cup match against Sweden the next summer. He missed almost a year and has never really been the same. He was so desperate his handlers sent out 32-page pamplets trying to stump for work. According to reports, he’s found it at the three-time EPL champs.

But getting out of relegated Newcastle and around world class players might help him. And considering Sir Alex Ferguson has always rated him, and he’s available on a free _ and a scaled-down, incentive-based contract _ he might be a good gamble.

Do you think he actually signs with United? And if so, do you think he stays healthy, and can help them? Think he and oft-injured Owen Hargreaves _ who makes him look like Cak Ripken _ will get confused when they say “Owen to the trainer’s room?” Talk to us…